Football/Soccer Session (Moderate): 2v2+2 Crossing & Finishing

Animation 1

• Set up a 30x35 yard field. The field should be wider than it is long to focus on the use of the wide players and crosses.
• Place one full-size goal on each end line.
• Divide the players into teams of two and assign each team a different colored jersey. 
• Have two teams start in the center of the field. Assign each team to defend a different goal.
• Have one other team be the starting neutral players. Position one neutral player on each sideline. Tell the neutral players they are free to move up and down the sideline as well as 3-4 yards outside the line.
• GK starts with a ball.
• Each team should complete at least four, three-minute games. Add more time or games as needed. Make coaching points between rounds.

INSTRUCTIONS:

• On the coach’s signal, the goalkeeper passes the ball to their teammates and the players compete 2v2 plus the two wide neutral players.
• Players are free to score through the run of play or off a cross from the neutral players.
• Neutral players move along the sidelines and pass, or cross, the ball to the team that passed them the ball. Neutral players can dribble along the sideline to deliver a cross if needed.
• Neutral players can not be defended.
• Goalkeepers can pass to the neutral players directly and be a part of their team’s possession.
• Make it, take it rules.
• If the ball goes out-of-bounds, the team that did not touch the ball last starts with a new ball from their goalkeeper.
• The team with the most goals scored at the end of the round wins.
• Teams rotate after each round. The neutral players come onto the field while one team becomes the neutral players.
• Each team should complete at least 4, 3-minute games.  

COACHING POINTS:

• Teach the players to constantly move on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball! This game is demanding and requires much movement from the players.
• Educate the players to keep their head and eyes moving to read the game. Seeing the field and where players are will allow players to make better decisions and give themselves a better chance of scoring.
• Remind the players to be decisive with their movements and passes. Players should make quick, quality decisions.
• Teach the players to attack the crosses, both defensively and offensively, and try to be the first one to the ball.
• Challenge the players to be explosive and creative on the ball when dribbling. Players should take the opportunity to shoot as soon as there is space!
• Motivate the goalkeepers to communicate with their team and to be quick between the posts!

SOCHANGEIT:

Crossing – Teams can only score off crosses, or passes from neutral players.
Touch limit – Give the field players, or neutral players a touch limit to increase the tempo of the game and make the players think faster. Give the players three, two, or one touch depending on level. Field players and neutral players can be given different touch restrictions depending on the focus.

King of the hill – Winners stay on.

Point system – Award one point for a goal off a shot from one of the field players. Two points for a goal off a cross using the feet. Three points for a goal off a cross using the head.